Resume Tips

Preparing a Great Resume

Putting together a great resumé isn’t difficult. Just tell the employer what you have to offer in as few words as possible, using clear and simple language. Resumé is the French word for summary, so keep it short at one to two pages.Today, employers often receive hundreds of applications for a single job, but only a few will be shortlisted. A good resumé will help you stand out in the crowd.

Do

  • Be accurate and precise. 
  • Give details without overwhelming the reader.
  • Be concise. 
  • Eliminate unnecessary words.
  • Be honest. 
  • Stick to the facts.
  • Explain gaps in the timeline of your resumé.
  • Tailor your resumé to fit the job you’re applying for.
  • Include a personalized cover letter outlining your qualifications for that specific job.
  • Use action words to describe your experience – conducted, designed, established, expanded, managed, planned, streamlined
  • Include quantitative achievements – successfully led project x to completion on time and 14% under budget
  • Use paper and print quality that projects a polished and professional image.

Don't

  • Let your resumé exceed two or three pages.
  • Include unnecessary information such as company addresses and phone numbers or details of your health and appearance.
  • Include a photograph.
  • Include references. 
  • You can provide references when you are interviewed.
  • Include your salary – past, present or expected.
  • Mention political, religious or fraternal organizations.

How To Organize Your Resumé

Contact Information: Provide your full name, complete address, home and mobile phone numbers with area codes, plus email.

Education: List universities and colleges attended, degrees, diplomas, certificates earned, and any other courses taken since graduation along with any academic awards received. Mention your grades only if they were above average.

Work Experience: Describe your work history in detail, in reverse chronological order. For each of your employers, state your job title, your responsibilities and your accomplishments.

Professional Affiliations: Indicate any associations you belong to which are relevant to your profession, along with any leadership positions you have held.

Activities and Interests: List your volunteer activities and achievements in community groups plus hobbies and other personal interests. Note special skills you possess and positions you have held.

References: Unless you are specifically requested to provide references, state that your references are available upon request.